Withheld Deposit: How to Complain, Step by Step

Last updated September 21, 2026

Short answer: First check whether the landlord met the deadlines for the inspection, report and claims – if not, the claim may have lapsed. Then object in writing and ask for an itemised statement. If that fails, go to the local rent tribunal (huslejenævnet). It costs 367 kr. (2026); if you win in full, the landlord pays 7,027 kr. (2026).

The deposit still hasn't reached your account, the weeks go by, and the landlord replies briefly or not at all. Here's how to go about it – step by step.

Step 1: Were the Deadlines Met?

A landlord with several homes must hold the move-out inspection within 2 weeks of learning you've moved out, invite you in writing at least 1 week ahead, hand over the report at the inspection (or send it within 2 weeks if you weren't there), and make their claims within 2 weeks of the inspection. If any of this wasn't done, the claim for refurbishment lapses entirely (section 187(5) of the Danish Rent Act, lejeloven).
If your lease was signed on or after 1 July 2015 and a landlord with several homes held no move-in inspection when you moved in, the claim may also have lapsed – except for damage you're responsible for yourself (section 90(3)).
A landlord with only one home must have made the claim within 2 weeks of the moving-out day (section 187(2)).
The deadlines don't apply to hidden damage that couldn't be seen in an ordinary walkthrough.
According to the explanatory notes to the law, the claim must be clear enough for you to understand which work you're being asked to pay for.

Step 2: Object in Writing

Write to the landlord and ask for an itemised statement with invoices or quotes for each deduction. Explain specifically which items you disagree with – for example because it's ordinary wear, because the defect was in the move-in report, or because you didn't have the maintenance duty. At the same time, ask for payment of what you believe you're owed. Under renteloven (the Danish Interest Act), the landlord must pay interest once 30 days have passed since your written request for payment (section 3(2)).

Step 3: Take the Case to Huslejenævnet

Huslejenævnet decides disputes about refurbishment at move-out and about deposits (sections 63 and 190 of the Rent Act). The complaint must be in writing, and you can bring it yourself. Enclose:

the lease
the date you handed in the keys
the move-out report and the move-in report
the invitation to the inspection
your defects list and your photos
your correspondence with the landlord

State precisely which items in the settlement you're complaining about. The fee is 367 kr. (2026, adjusted annually). If you win in full, the landlord pays 7,027 kr. (2026) to the tribunal – not if you win in part or settle. If there's no dispute about refurbishment or the deposit amount, only about a payment – e.g. the landlord not repaying prepaid rent – the case belongs in boligretten (the housing court), according to the City of Copenhagen.

Step 4: How the Case Is Handled

The tribunal sends the complaint to the landlord within 1 week, and the landlord has 2 weeks to reply (section 82 of boligforholdsloven, the Housing Conditions Act). The law says the tribunal must decide no later than 4 weeks after receiving the landlord's response (section 86) – but in practice many cases take months. The City of Copenhagen says typically 8-10 months. Outside the City of Copenhagen, if the tribunal misses its deadline, you can take the case straight to the housing court (section 88(6)) – but think it through carefully, as a housing court case can be considerably more expensive.

Step 5: Do You Disagree With the Decision?

Outside the City of Copenhagen, the decision can be brought before the housing court no later than 4 weeks after you receive it (section 88 of boligforholdsloven). In the City of Copenhagen, most decisions instead go to an appeals board within the same deadline. The fee there is 194 kr. (2026) (section 89).